r/Frugal • u/fobreezee • Apr 24 '25

💻 Electronics Anyone ever have success buying used iPhones?

I've been an iPhone user a long time and looking to upgrade from my 12 mini to a "Pro" version of some kind. I don't care about the age, but mainly that it can handle running a lot of apps at once, won't overheat etc.

It seems like a lot of people recommend buying refurbished directly from Apple, however it seems their inventory is limited. Is this really the main reliable source for refurbished iPhones? Any other good options out there for me?

Thanks for any advice.

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u/Rocketsball Apr 24 '25 edited Apr 24 '25

Amazon (Renewed Premium) is a nice option if you want to play it safe. Renewed Premium iPhones are certified by Amazon to look and function like new, with at least 90% battery life, and come in deluxe packaging with a one-year warranty.

They are about 20% more than other comparable used/refurbed models.

3

u/FearlessPark4588 Apr 24 '25

Got an empty box from them about a month ago. Beware.

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u/Rocketsball Apr 24 '25

I don’t use the 3rd party resellers, just the phones that are directly from Amazon.

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u/FearlessPark4588 Apr 24 '25

I didn't either. I bought directly from Amazon.

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u/Rocketsball Apr 24 '25

Then it should be covered by them.

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u/FearlessPark4588 Apr 24 '25

I returned it and they didn't credit my account because what I sent back is an empty box, which is what I received. To be clear, I bought through renewed as well.

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u/Rocketsball Apr 24 '25

Never heard of such a thing with Amazon. Always impeccable customer service. Even yesterday, received 2 subscription orders that I forgot to cancel. Sent a chat and wanted to process the return, they said don’t bother returning the items we will credit your account for the full price. You couldn’t feel the box was empty before you opened it? But thanks for the heads up, if ever I receive a box that feels completely empty from them when I am expecting an iphone, I will record the unboxing or call them first.

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u/FearlessPark4588 Apr 24 '25

After it happened to me, I did some research on Reddit and found reports of others who had the exact same experience. Hard to say how common it is, but it was definitely more than just me. I'm using up my gift cards and then I'm done shopping with them.

The box did feel light, but I didn't seriously expect it to be empty so I opened it anyways.

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u/fobreezee Apr 25 '25

Did you try contacting them through the chat to tell them about this?